Jimmy Hurley Neeley

Jimmy Hurley Neeley, 74, of Columbia, joined his beloved wife on Friday, October 7, 2016 after a short battle with cancer. Mr. Neeley was born in Columbia, SC to the late Vince Neeley and Sovora (Sullivan) Neeley. Jimmy graduated from Lower Richland High School in 1961. During his high school years, Jimmy played football, baseball, and basketball. He was an outstanding athlete. After graduation Jimmy joined the SC National Guard, while working for Sears Roebuck. He later went to work for Carolina Freight Carriers until he retired. Jimmy's love for sports continued after high school. He was a player, coach and sponsor for the powerful Columbia Rebs. His teams have won over 100 tournaments trophies and awards from 1965 to 1985. He was an Ambassador for ASA softball. Jimmy played an important role in the early development of slow pitch softball in SC. Jimmy was Inducted into SC ASA Hall of Fame in 1998. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his three grandchildren. Jimmy LOVED watching and teaching his two grandsons the game of baseball. He often said his greatest joy was being a granddad. Surviving are his sons, Bryan Neeley (Lolita) of Lexington SC and Justin Neeley (Abby) of Knoxville TN; and his grandchildren, Brett, Logan and Henley Neeley; a sister, Judy Watford (Jimmy) of West Columbia SC; brother, Frankie Neeley (Brenda) of West Columbia SC; nieces, nephews; and his friends, Robert and Ann Shaw, Jim Dalton and also the friends from D&D's. Mr. Neeley was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Frances B. Neeley; brothers, Vince Neeley, Jr, Haywood Neeley, Gene T. Neeley; and sister, Virgie Stack. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Monday, October 10, 2016 from 6 PM until 8 PM. Funeral services will be in the chapel of the funeral home on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 12 PM. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sox family, at Make Your Mark Foundation, Braydon Sox, 246 Community Drive Lexington, SC 29073. Please make a note that it is for Brayden Sox, or at www.makeyourmarkfound.org/-prayforbray.html. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the friends and family that showed Jimmy all the love and support in the last few months. We are forever grateful.